2015 Acura TLX 2.4L - TestDriveNow.com Review by Auto Critic Steve Hammes | TestDriveNow

TestDriveNow.com Drive Time review of the all-new 2015 Acura TLX 2.4L with Technology Package by automotive critic Steve Hammes. MSRP as tested: $35,945. testdrivenow.co...
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Welcome to TestDriveNow official KZbin channel! I deliver trusted, top-rated popular car reviews on cars like the Honda Accord, Audi s5, Dodge Durango, Subaru Crosstrek and more! TestDriveNow.com features Drive Time with Steve Hammes offering video program segments showcasing the newest vehicles and industry innovations coming to market.
2015 Acura TLX 2.4L - TestDriveNow.com Review by Auto Critic Steve Hammes | TestDriveNow
• 2015 Acura TLX 2.4L - ...
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/ stevehammes

[@markburgess1070]

Steve: everyone else loves this car including me -- I bought a TLX and love it. Your observations are clearly not mine.

[@stevehammes]

As I always say; as long as you like your car, that's all that matters. Though I do know plenty of my peers feel the same way about the 2.4L model.

[@nathanielcashjr.732]

I also brought the TLX and I too love the car and prefer it over the six cylinder. I have a TL and just traded my RSX. To me, the 2.4 is a good mix of what I am used to driving. I like the style too and I would by the BMW or C class if I didn't like what's offered with the 2.4 tech. Just my humble opinion.

[@drn13355]

Mark Burgess "everyone"?? I drove the TLX and instead preferred (and purchased) the Infiniti Q50. If you really think "everyone" likes this car you need to look up the definition of "everyone"

[@raymondayeung]

Heard the Q50 is unreliable. Good luck with the cost of maintenance.

[@drn13355]

+Raymond Yeung I have had my Q50 one year. Have yet to have a single problem. 22K miles. Oil changes and tire rotations. That is it. 60K warranty 4 year. Keep your TLX to yourself.

[@DUNEATV]

Just bought a 2020 TLX 2.4L. What an amazing car and got it brand new for 28k! Sooo happy!!!

[@bryanalexander7220]

How did you get for only $28k?

[@DUNEATV]

Bryan Alexander 28k plus tax. They have a $4000 incentive plus I got $1800 for owning another Acura that they call loyalty cash.

[@ssj4goldengogeta]

Hey Steve i think the TLX you had here had a software problem with the transmission. You're the only critic who said he acted weird. Everyone else says it works great. Its just an idea considering how the cars these automakers send to journalists sometimes arent up to par with the true production models.

[@stevehammes]

I hear you, Deion but I don't think that was the case. I've spoken to others (some who have posted below) who felt the same way I did about it. It just seemed schizophrenic; sometimes feeling like an auto, other times a little jerky like a DCT and other times sounding like a CVT. Much prefer the 9-speed auto in the TLX 3.5.

[@ssj4goldengogeta]

I understand. Well when I get one I'm definitely going V6 all the way so I can get all the bells and whistles plus the 9 speed auto. And thanks for responding.

[@patwickgriff]

I recently test drove this exact model and came away extremely impressed! I thought the engine was plenty powerful and the DCT was superb! The vast majority of reviewers preferred this over the V6 model.

[@henrypacheco9048]

actually the 8 speed dct is very jerky in stop and go traffic

[@landocalrisian2014]

I love my 2.4 cylinder but I too experience the jerky motion when coming to a stop periodically. That's the only issue I have, otherwise I love this car and has enough power for me. More than my 4cylinder Altima I had prior.

[@HybridEnergy]

I'm not the biggest fan of the two screens either but I think it's better than the cheap looking taped on ipads to the dash boards the germans are using like mercedes.

[@jacobpalmer127]

I'm not sure why people hate on the 2 screen layout. It's simple - your nav is on top and your touch screen and music readout is on the bottom. Yes, it looks weird if you don't have the tech package which gives you nav, but who buys an Acura today without a tech package? If you are barely scratching your way into an Acura (of all premium brands) and can't even afford the tech package, maybe you should just stick with the Civic or Accord.

[@DavidA-mi4kj]

+Jacob Palmer That isn't necessarily why someone might opt for no technology package. If you have a separate GPS unit, like Garmin which makes very good ones, you have no need for a factory installed tech device and the extra few thousand it adds to the value of the car.

[@borisgetman9222]

David A Exactly! 95% of the time I dont need navigation, as I know where I am going. For the remaining 5% of my trips, I use google maps on my iPhone. Why waste thousands extra $ for navigation? 20 years ago it made some sense to pay extra for a navigation system, but in 2016 it does not.

[@WillVH203]

Boris Getman true I got the tech package but I never used the nav because I always use my phone and prefer to use my phone. I would've been fine with the base model

[@itzmando]

I've test driven this model at my local dealer and something was just off about the transmission shift points. I really didn't like it at all, and I was considering a 4 cyl. luxury car for fuel savings, but using a v6 is so much better. I also test drove the v6 version and that was a blast to drive, I asked to do an extended test drive and took it on highway and normal roads. So I think the quirkiness of the 8speed DCT on the 4 leaves somethings to be desired. But I'm sure the TLX will get some sort of programming done or slightly revised in later years, I do give them credit for their jump to more gears to compete with other luxury brands, but the implementation on the 4 banger needs some work. Great job, Steve!!! Keep up the good work.

[@jacobpalmer127]

If you drove the 2.4 and 3.5 but prefer the 3.5 ZF-sourced transmission, then there's a good chance you're on Medicare. The 9 speed ZF is the old man's transmission.

[@itzmando]

Jacob Palmer I see no correlation between 3.5 models being an "old man's transmission" to the 2.4 8DCT. I know so many manufacturers are going to DCT power trains, but a smooth v6 with a nice 9 speed helps make this a better option for power delivery. I just hope there is some software updates as the power train and tech is there.

[@jacobpalmer127]

itzmando Acura chose the ZF 9 speed for the V6 in order to help with fuel economy; it had nothing to do with power delivery. The V6 models also have cylinder deactivation and idle stop/start (SH-AWD model) to help with fuel economy as well. The MPG gains are nominal and those types of features are a turn off to the enthusiast community. I Think the V6 ZF 9 speed SH-AWD model is great, but it would be better with the 8 speed DCT. Many enthusiasts prefer the 2.4 TLX because they are getting lighter weight by several hundred pounds and a fast shifting dual clutch transmission. Don't get me wrong, I like the V6 SH-AWD version and it has good power (if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, this is your TLX), but the ZF 9 speed transmission takes a back seat to the 8 speed DCT from an enthusiast perspective. Nevertheless, I also hope they provide tuning updates to the ZF 9 speed to make it better.

[@jacobpalmer127]

itzmando Acura's newest generation SH-AWD system offered in the TLX is incredible and IMO one of the best AWD systems in the marketplace, period. SH-AWD on windy CA roads would be fun, indeed. It will be interesting to see if Acura makes any tweaks for the 2016 model. What's up with those transmission buttons!?

[@itzmando]

Jacob Palmer Oh yes, I am glad they are making their awesome SH-AWD more compact and still maintaining its fun factor with torque vectoring. I never realized how fun it is even in my 4500 lbs. MDX with the AWD. Fun lil drive on they windy back roads near Malibu, CA. Live 20 mins away from my closest backroad. I think Acura really should improve and tweak the TLX but from the Acura forums there is a software update in the works for the DCT 4cyl. as many owners felt jerkiness. Yeah the button selection is a bit odd, but seems a bit cool to push or pull for different gear. But part of me enjoys placing my hand on a shift lever with the mechanical feel.

[@ChristopherWalkenActor]

Good honesty in this review Steve. A lot of other reviewers only say positive things about the test cars. You're right about Acuras in general, they have definitely become very bland on the exterior. Plus, requiring premium gas in this slow 4 cylinder model only makes things worse.

[@rsj005]

I think while this car is not the best, it is the "BEST" offer Acura has had in years...! They have a long way to go, but they have come a long way and it seems like they are getting back to their smooth sleek design of their first gen cars. I would definitely give this car a try over the competition. Now a mid cycle Type S...! That would be the excitement and it factor you're looking for...LOL

[@yenny527]

nice review. I like the frankness without sugar coating anything. too bad Acura doesn't offer a 6 spd manual for the tlx

[@simonthompson7139]

Acura, Lexus and infiniti need to step up their games

[@jacobpalmer127]

Lexus and Infiniti have; Acura needs to step up.

[@rsj005]

Hey Steve was this TLX color the Copper Black Pearl, that is black in the night, and brown in the day?

[@stevehammes]

That is the one.

[@rsj005]

Thanks for the reply. I think it is a great color and I plan on getting it in the future.

[@76carmel]

Steve -- will you test the TLX with 3.5L V-6 with the 9-speed auto in the another video on TestDriveNow.com?

[@stevehammes]

Hi, Billy. I'd say yes but I don't have one scheduled right now.

[@WNYfellow]

So - this 4 cyl. model is a slightly smaller ES 350, maybe? A lot of people might like that. You might do a comparison with the Accord EX V-6 and the new Camry XLE V-6.

[@afa6361]

Acuras are good cars, but they always miss that X factor other premium cars offer.

[@Dish0803]

It would have been nice if the base engine was the 3.0 they used in the 2003-07 accords.

[@STEVE33437]

You don't have to give up the "Legend" as this vehicle is known in Japan as the "Honda Legend'

[@Giorgimm11]

Honda Legend is the same as Acura RLX not TLX.

[@ag8152]

You say it’s an under powered engine what do you expect it’s a 2.4 of course it’s going to be under powered considering you have another option of getting the V6 I think it’s a great car for the engine has

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Yawwnnn acuras still boring!!! All of them! Acura and honda need new designers and engineers

[@adrianharvey3908]

i love acura but they missed the opportunity to make a better car here...the tl sh-awd 6 speed was the better car

[@lizarme6559]

I bought this reliable car and say no to BMW and Mercedes-Benz cuz bro, one screen? No touch screen? I am producer two screens are better, I do make money, I am not a kid who wanna show off world, I am world who show off

[@MooQua17]

Na the two screen is kool very different

[@BTC909]

Save a ton and get an Accord Sport.

[@lizarme6559]

Ivan Vojt don’t recommend your mistake

[@seinsmeld13]

My review? Ladies car!!!!!

[@jacobpalmer127]

Cool story bro. Thanks, DYKEman!

[@rforracing]

This guy is the only reviewer that doesnt like the 8 speed DCT and 4 cylinder engine. Its has more than sufficient power for a NA 4 cylinder 2.4 motor. (206 hp). Not sure what world he is living in.

[@stevehammes]

“This guy.” Love that. 😂

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Its pretty sad i used to be an acura only guy. Then I bought a hyundai genesis v6 sedan loaded with tech!

[@jvrdlc]

who buys a TL with the 4cyl ?

[@pedrof830]

The same who buy a Merc, BMW Caddy or Lincoln with a 4 banger too.

[@kcirreb94]

The people who care more about fuel efficiency, or the people who don't care about hp, or the people who cant afford the v6

[@rkgsd]

+jvrdlc Not every upscale car buyer wants to throw money at gas companies. 205hp from a non turbo 4 is very descent. If you're trying to race anyone that pulls up next to you like an immature 20 year old, you obviously want the 6.

[@scottvilleneuve5985]

I wasn't all that impressed with the V6, either. Definitely a more sensible choice from Japan, not the full-wasabi that Acura says it is.

[@marianamedina1039]

Thank you burger& hot dog eating yankee.